Usually when we think about the Sabbath commandment, we focus on the idea of rest. But rest is only one part of the life rhythm that the commandment envisioned. If there is no work, rest becomes nothing more than pointless self-indulgence. And if there is no rest, work becomes an intolerable, destructive burden. Life becomes full and meaningful in the alternating rhythm of “six days” and “Sabbath.”

• The archetypal story (Genesis 2:1-3, to which Exodus 20:8-11 alluded) said God rested after the work of creation, “blessed the seventh day and made it holy.” God, infinite in strength, did not need to rest due to physical tiredness. God blessed the seventh day as a rest, or Sabbath, for humans. God knew what is best for us. In our ever-busier world, how can you heed God’s intent that there be a Sabbath day every week?
• Verse 10 assumed the chance that a person seeking to obey the commandment might have “servants,” “animals,” even “immigrants” in the household. The command did NOT say, “You rest, but be sure to keep your servants busy”—it took for granted the same rest for all. In what ways, if any, does that principle bear on our ethical choices today with regard to workers’ rights, the growing gap in pay levels for CEOs and other workers, the availability of child care or health care, and other workplace issues?